Thailand Highlights 2 nd to 14 th December 2016 (13 days) Trip Report

Transcription

1 Thailand Highlights 2 nd to 14 th December 2016 (13 days) Trip Report The spectacular Green Peafowl by Glen Valentine Tour Leaders: Glen Valentine & Uthai Treesucon Trip Report compiled by Glen Valentine

2 Trip Report RBL Thailand Highlights Tour Summary Our Highlights trip of Thailand takes in the must-visit, key birding sites of Kaeng Krachan, Khao Yai and Doi Inthanon National Parks, as well as the vast, coastal wetlands of Pak Thale and Laem Pak Bia to the south of Bangkok. The number of species seen during this quick-fire birding tour around Thailand is truly astounding! There is nowhere else in Asia where one can encounter as many species in such a short period of time. The superb birding coupled with delicious food, good accommodation, excellent vehicles and drivers and extremely friendly and hospitable people make Thailand a birding destination like few others. There were indeed a wealth of serious birding highlights on this tour, and these included the likes of the critically endangered Spoon-billed Sandpiper, Nordmann s Greenshank, Asian Dowitcher, the rarely-seen Chinese Egret, the unique and bizarre Ratchet-tailed Treepie, Blackheaded and Bamboo Woodpeckers, the spectacular Silver Pheasant, Siamese Fireback, Orange-breasted Trogon, Green Peafowl, Collared and Black-thighed Falconets, a Female Amur Falcon in Khao Yai NP female Amur Falcon, the seldom-recorded Rain Quail, Blossom-headed Parakeet, Black-and-red and Dusky Broadbills, Blue Pitta, the brilliant Sultan Tit, rare and localised White-headed Bulbul, Slaty-bellied Tesia, Grey-headed Parrotbill, Black-backed Forktail, the scarce and elusive Yellow-bellied Flowerpecker and the exquisite Mrs. Gould s Sunbird, to mention just a few. This was our adventure An excited group of birders and seasoned travellers gathered in the foyer of our Bangkok hotel and with the bags all loaded up into our two awaiting vans, we met our friendly drivers, piled into the vehicles and struck out at first light for the world-famous birding locality of Pak Thale to the south of Bangkok. After a two hour drive across Bangkok and through Phetchaburi, we arrived at the extensive and teeming coastal wetlands where we d spend the remainder of the morning. Soon after arriving, we were admiring hordes of Great Knot and Broad-billed Sandpipers, as well as smaller numbers of Lesser and Greater Sand Plovers, Red-necked and Temminck s Stint and Curlew Sandpipers, along with the occasional Dunlin. Suddenly, the excitement levels rose even higher when the calls of Spoon-billed Sandpiper pierced the air! There, amongst the numerous Red-necked Stints, was a single Spoonbill. However, it did not stick around very long as something, probably a raptor of sorts, startled the entire flock of waders and we lost sight of this mega wader as it disappeared out of sight. Fortunately, we were able to find another The rare and elusive Grey-headed Parrotbill

3 Trip Report RBL Thailand Highlights The brilliant Mrs. Gould s Sunbird, always a trip highlight individual a short while later and this particular bird stayed around for ages and allowed us to admire it at length through the scopes, until we were completely and utterly satisfied with the views of this serious rarity. Continuing our birding of the area, we were delighted to find two Slender-billed Gulls a bit of a rarity for Thailand, as well as Little and Indian Cormorants, Bar-tailed and Black-tailed Godwits, Spotted and Common Redshanks, Long-toed Stint, Red-necked Phalarope and White-winged Tern. After lunch, we journeyed out to the nearby Laem Pak Bia and our boat trip here yielded three of the rare and seldom-seen Chinese Egret, as well as other great birds like Collared and Black-capped Kingfishers and the rangerestricted Malaysian Plover. Back in the late afternoon at the Pak Thale ponds, we found many of the already-mentioned species, along with a pair of Golden-bellied Gerygone, Great and Pied Mynas, a lovely flock of White-shouldered Starlings and finally, four of the highly sought-after and extremely scarce Asian Dowitcher. What a superb first day s birding! In the late afternoon, we departed the Phetchaburi area and continued the drive south-west towards the extensive lowland and mid-altitude forests of Kaeng Krachan, our base for the next three nights. Our time in Kaeng Krachan National Park was extremely rewarding, and the lowlands especially rewarded us with some of the best forest birding of the entire trip. We concentrated our efforts on the upper, middle and lower elevations of the reserve and despite the high volumes of foot and vehicle traffic, we still managed to see an amazing suite of gorgeous south-east Asian birds. The higher elevations yielded the very special Ratchet-tailed Treepie, Blyth s Shrike-babbler, Flavescent, Ochraceous and Buff-vented Bulbuls, Chestnut-flanked White-eye, Dark-sided, Hill Blue and Verditer Flycatchers, Greater Green Leafbird, Yellow-vented and Plain Flowerpeckers, Black-throated Sunbird and the zippy Streaked Spiderhunter; while a huge mixed species flock that we encountered in the mid-morning produced Speckled and White-browed Piculets, Great Iora, Greyheaded Canary-flycatcher, the bamboodwelling Yellow-bellied Warbler, Alstrom s Warbler, White-browed Scimitar Babbler, Golden Babbler, Brown-cheeked Fulvetta and a furtive family group of Collared Babbler. One of the trip highlights came when three Yellowthroated Martens were found sprawled out along the mossy limbs of a large forest tree at the highest point of the reserve. Fantastic! Yellow-throated Marten in Kaeng Krachan NP In the mid elevations, we sought out a calling Square-tailed Drongo-Cuckoo and also managed to track down the rare Bamboo Woodpecker, as well as

4 Trip Report RBL Thailand Highlights Puff-throated and Rufous-fronted Babblers, Barwinged Flycatcher-shrike, a beautiful male Scarlet-backed Flowerpecker and Pin-striped Tit- Babbler. The small, seasonal ponds and pans along the entrance road gave us White-throated and Black-capped Kingfishers, the shy and scarce Black Bittern, Chinese Pond Heron and Whitebreasted Waterhen; while Crested Honey Buzzard and Crested Goshawk were also seen in this area. A full morning and late afternoon were spent in the highly productive lowlands of the reserve, and here we were treated to the finest and birdiest sessions of birding of the entire trip! Highlights Blyth s Shrike-Babbler were plentiful, and included specialities and eyecatching target species such as Thick-billed Green Pigeon, Green-billed Malkoha, Banded Bay Cuckoo, Grey-rumped Treeswift, Germain s Swiftlets in flight overhead, Blue-bearded and Chestnut-headed Bee-eaters, small, noisy flocks of Oriental Pied Hornbills, the immaculate Green-eared, Blue-throated and Blue-eared Barbets, Common and Greater Flamebacks, the sought-after Black-thighed Falconet, the tiny, fast-flying Vernal Hanging Parrot, Ashy Woodswallow, Black-winged Cuckooshrike, the bright red and glossy-black Scarlet Minivet, Blacknaped Oriole, Bronzed, Hair-crested and the spectacular Greater Racket-tailed Drongos, the magnificent Sultan Tit, Black-headed, Black-crested, Stripe-throated and Streak-eared Bulbuls, Dark-necked Tailorbird, the dazzling Asian Fairy-bluebird, Common Hill Myna, melodious White-rumped Shama, Asian Brown and Taiga Flycatchers, Blue-winged Leafbird, the brilliant Ruby-cheeked, Olive-backed and Crimson Sunbirds, the striking Black-and-red Broadbill and an unexpected bonus in the form of a Yellow-eared Spiderhunter that showed remarkably well for an extended period while enjoying tea and coffee in the field along with some local Thai treats. In the evening, we managed to track down, with the razor-sharp eyesight of Uthai, a calling Collared Scops Owl back at our accommodation nearby the park. Departing the bird-rich wonderland of Kaeng Krachan, we began the drive to our next destination - the famous Khao Yai National Park, but not before a short, pre and post breakfast birding stint in the grassland and scrub adjoining our accommodation. Our pre-dawn walk in this area turned up the scarce Indian Nightjar, as well as an Indian Stone-curlew, while our post-breakfast session yielded at least four Indochinese Bush Larks, a Purple Heron, Zebra Dove and Red Turtle Doves, Grey-breasted and Plain Prinias and Oriental Magpie-Robin. Later in the morning, we returned to the Pak Thale area on our final quest to find the rare and endangered Nordmann s Greenshank, and this time we came up trumps, with three birds amongst the hundreds of Great Knots that were present in one particular area. We also saw many of the same species that were seen on the first visit to this area, White-crested Laughingthrush

5 Trip Report RBL Thailand Highlights but we did also manage to obtain views of a Racket-tailed Treepie, as well as a flock of around fifty Pied Avocets a scarce and erratic species in Thailand. A short visit to the nearby wetlands of Ban Bang Ta Boon turned up a few new and noteworthy species like Western Osprey, Black and Brahminy Kites, Painted Stork, Asian Openbill, Yellow-bellied Prinia and some distant Northern Pintail, Eurasian Teal, Garganey and Eurasian Wigeon. After another delicious lunch in a nearby town, we continued the drive towards Khao Yai. A broadcasting of The Big Year passed the time rather pleasantly and by dusk, we d arrived at our hotel near the entrance to the national park. The birding at Khao Yai proved challenging at times, but we still managed to encounter most of the reserve s special species. We birded both the higher and lower elevation forest during our time here. These varied elevations gave us two sightings of Silver Pheasant, as well as several stunning Orange-breasted Trogons, Mountain Imperial Pigeon, the localised Moustached Barbet, the impressive Great Hornbill, Himalayan Swiftlet, nesting Vernal Hanging Parrots, hordes of Asian Fairy-bluebirds around fruiting trees, the resident, yellow-billed race of Blue Whistling Thrush, Abbott s Babbler, a female Blue Rock Thrush and Grey Wagtail; while The magnificent Great Hornbill mixed species flocks yielded the scarce Heart-spotted Woodpecker, Large Woodshrike, several sizable flocks of Swinhoe s Minivet, White-bellied Erpornis, Puff-throated and Grey-eyed Bulbuls, Sulphur-breasted Warbler, the very attractive and charismatic White-crested Laughingthrush, Oriental White-eye, Hainan Blue and Verditer Flycatchers, Fire-breasted Flowerpecker, Little Spiderhunter, the vibrant Sultan Tit and numerous Claudia s Leaf Warblers. A short birding stop in an open grassy area produced Brown Shrike, Golden-headed Cisticola and Red-wattled Lapwing and we also managed to track down the vagrant female Amur Falcon that had recently pitched up and was hanging around in one specific area close to the park headquarters. A major surprise and trip highlight! On our final afternoon, we walked a portion of one of the lower elevation trails and here we added several of Khao Yai s best birds that included a pair of Blue Pitta, the superb Siamese Fireback, three Common Green Magpies, a very handsome adult Rufousbellied Hawk-Eagle and a family group of Dusky Broadbill. Khao Yai also turned up several other noteworthy raptor species, like Changeable Hawk-Eagle, Crested Serpent Eagle and Black Eagle; while our nocturnal forays produced a wonderful, calling Collared Owlet, a beautiful, perched Brown Hawk-Owl and two fly-over Great Eared Nightjars at dusk. Male Hainan Blue-flycatcher

6 Trip Report RBL Thailand Highlights Departing Khao Yai, we stopped in the early morning at a patch of woodland-edge right in the middle of town. The quantity and quality of birds seen here within twenty minutes was quite staggering indeed! We added several new species that were all scoped and showed superbly well. These included the main target here: the gorgeous and noisy Red-breasted Parakeet, as well as perched Coppersmith and Lineated Barbets, a vociferous male Asian Koel, a perched adult Shikra and a flock of Chestnut-tailed Starlings, amongst many other species already encountered by this stage of the trip. Thereafter, we made a short stop in at a nearby wetland. We initially birded the surrounding grassland and scrub here and found Greater Coucal, Oriental Skylark, Zitting Cisticola, Common Tailorbird, Plainbacked Sparrow, Siberian Stonechat, Paddyfield, Richard s and Olive-backed Pipits, Scaly-breasted Munia and an exceptional surprise in the form of three Rain Quails that flew up from under our feet and showed well as they buzzed away into the dense grassland. The wetland and edge held Common and Pin-tailed Snipes, a Yellow Bittern and several Eastern Yellow Wagtails; while Red-rumped Swallows entertained us overhead. Our next stop of the morning was a temple area en route to Bangkok, where we quickly found and obtained excellent views of the extremely localised and habitat-specific Limestone Spectacled Barwing Wren-Babbler. After a noodle lunch at the edge of the city, we quickly popped into another temple area close to the airport at the edge of the vast Rangsit Marsh and here we were delighted to find Spotted Owlet, Blue-tailed Beeeater, Malaysian Pied Fantail and a flock of Small Minivet before boarding our domestic flight to Chiang Mai, situated in north-western Thailand, and the gateway to the country s various forested and bird-rich mountains that bridge the border with Burma. This evening, some of us opted to visit the nearby Chiang Mai night market that hummed with tourists and tiny stalls selling various trinkets and handicraft items, as well as more day-to-day items like flip-flops (thongs, for the Ozzies!) and sunglasses. After a long but rewarding day, we returned to our rather luxurious hotel for a well-deserved night s rest in preparation for the next leg of the trip. After an early breakfast, we reunited with our wonderful drivers and struck out for some early morning birding at the nearby King s Project (Huai Hong Krai), where our main target species was the spectacular and rare Green Peafowl. Shortly after arriving, we were in business when four of these stunning pheasants flew across a clearing right in front of us, showing their brilliant, emerald flight feathers before diving into the dense forest understorey, not to be seen again during the course of the morning. Ecstatic with our success, we continued birding the area and Rufous-bellied Hawk-Eagle in Khao Yai NP

7 Trip Report RBL Thailand Highlights managed to find several other notable species, such as Black Baza, Asian Barred Owlet, Brown-backed Needletail, a rather fleeting pair of Rosy Minivet, Golden-fronted Leafbird and Tickell s Blue Flycatcher. We left the forest and ponds of Huai Hong Krai in the mid-morning and began the drive south towards Doi Inthanon. En route we made a short coffee and tea stop that gave us a pair of Brown-throated Sunbird in a flowering tree, and after negotiating some heavy traffic, we finally arrived at the Doi Lor rice-fields where we spent a short while scanning and birding the paddyfield edges. This proved rather worthwhile as we encountered several new and noteworthy species, the most interesting being three Booted Eagles, Blackwinged Kite, Common Kestrel, Sooty-headed Bulbul, Grey-breasted Prinia, Pied Bush Chat and White Wagtail. Thereafter, we continued the drive and arrived at our comfortable and wellappointed accommodations near the entrance to Doi Inthanon National Park in perfect time for a delicious Pad-Thai lunch, before heading into the reserve for the remainder of the afternoon. The stunning Yellow-cheeked Tit The park was packed with local tourists and birding along the main road proved a bit of a challenge, although extremely birdy! We only had a short time to bird before dusk would arrive and we d have to leave the park, but we sure made the most of our time here and managed to find a wealth of exciting and eye-catching species. These included the striking Yellow-cheeked Tit, Flavescent, Mountain and Black Bulbuls, highly-active Two-barred and Davison s Leaf Warblers, Yunnan Fulvetta, the extremely shy and furtive White-necked Laughingthrush, rather skulking Hill Prinia, Dark-backed Sibia, Orangebellied Leafbird, a male Eyebrowed Thrush, Cook s Swift and large numbers of Asian House Martins. Our itinerary allowed us three full days to search for and soak in the mountain s wonderful avifauna, and during the course of our time here, we were able to cover most of the mountain s unique and diverse habitats and elevations, thereby allowing us to find a huge number of Doi Inthanon s most prized birds. The lower altitude, semideciduous, broad-leaved, dipterocarp woodland yielded the handsome, rangerestricted and generally scarce Blackheaded Woodpecker, as well as the huge White-bellied Woodpecker, and an incredible group of ten Collared Falconets, all perched up in one tree! The beautiful, mid-altitude, broad-leaved evergreen forest was a major zone of focus for us, and our time spent in this marvellous habitat produced many of our best sightings and species of the entire trip. Most notable were several Golden-throated Barbets, A group of Collared Falconets (7 in this picture and 10 in the tree!) in the lower elevations of Doi Inthanon

8 Trip Report RBL Thailand Highlights Grey-chinned, Long-tailed and Short-billed Minivets, a superb male Asian Emerald Cuckoo, Blyth s Shrike-Babbler, a female Maroon Oriole, the flashy Lesser Racket-tailed Drongo, White-throated and Yellow-bellied Fantails, Mountain Tailorbird, the minuscule Slaty-bellied Tesia, Pygmy Wren-babbler, Bianchi s, Martens s and Chestnut-crowned Warblers, a shy but highly responsive Rustycheeked Scimitar Babbler, a pair of the shy Eyebrowed Wren-Babbler, Blue-winged Minla, the smart Spectacled Barwing, a flock of the rare and elusive Grey-headed Parrotbill, the aptlynamed Velvet-fronted Nuthatch, White-gorgeted, Little Pied and Pale Blue Flycatchers, Hume s Treecreeper and a pair of the stunning-blue Large Niltava. In the mid-altitude mixed pine and broad-leaved woodland, grassland and scrub, we added Greycapped Pygmy Woodpecker, Eurasian Jay, the localised, scarce and very attractive Whiteheaded Bulbul, Japanese and Cinereous Tits, The smart White-capped Redstart Chestnut-vented Nuthatch, Slaty-blue Flycatcher, Buff-throated Warbler and Grey Bush Chat; while a lunch stop at Mr Daeng s yielded the migratory, black-billed race of Blue Whistling Thrush, as well as a particularly confiding White-browed Shortwing and a female Siberian Blue Robin. The numerous picturesque waterfalls and rivers on the mountain also yielded a number of new, exciting and classically Asian species, such as Black-backed and Slaty-backed Forktails and White-capped and Plumbeous Water Redstarts. On our final morning in the national park, we ventured up to the top of the mountain and spent the morning exploring the road-edge and sphagnum bog, where we found a number of spectacular species like the scarce and erratic Speckled Wood Pigeon, attractive flocks of Wedge-tailed Green Pigeon, a female Yellow-bellied Flowerpecker, Slaty-backed Flycatcher, Rufous-winged Fulvetta, Silver-eared Laughingthrush, Bar-throated Minla, the exquisite Mrs. Gould s and Green-tailed Sunbirds, Whitecrowned Forktail, a female Chestnut-bellied Rock Thrush and Blyth s Leaf Warbler, to name just a few of the most exciting species seen in this area. Our night-time excursions around and close to our accommodations produced another fantastic sighting of Collared Scops Owl, as well as another close-flying Indian Nightjar for those that missed them earlier around Kaeng Krachan. On our final morning, we visited Mr Tii s a large canopy tower that rises up above the surrounding dipterocarp woodland and is most famous as a reliable site to see the rare and beautiful Blossom-headed Parakeet. We succeeded in finding at least ten of these gorgeous little parrots and also encountered a range of other Silver-eared Laughingthrush at the top of Doi Inthanon

9 Trip Report RBL Thailand Highlights great birds: Red-billed Blue Magpies flopped around from tree to tree, Crested Honey Buzzards and a Eurasian Sparrowhawk passed by overhead, Green Bee-eaters hawked insects from the tops of bushes, a party of four Common Woodshrikes, Lineated Barbet, the stunning Purple Sunbird and several Redwhiskered Bulbuls foraged close-by; while the beautiful Black-hooded Oriole also made an appearance. Striated Swallows hawked insects on the wing and a nearby field hosted four Black-collared Starlings, but the absolute show-stopper was undoubtedly a flock of thirteen Green Peafowl that fed unperturbed in a grassy clearing at the forest edge and included an immaculate adult male in spectacular, impeccable plumage! Alas, it was time to bid the bird-rich and vibrant Thailand goodbye as we made our way back to Chiang Mai to connect with our flight back to Bangkok and our international flights back home. Bar-throated (Chestnut-tailed) Minla Thank you to everyone, from Uthai and our superb drivers to the wonderful participants who all helped make this Highlights tour of Thailand so memorable and successful. Photo credits: All photographs taken by Glen Valentine during this or previous Rockjumper tours to Thailand ANNOTATED LIST OF BIRDS RECORDED (385 species recorded (356 seen and 29 heard only)) Nomenclature and taxonomy follows the IOC List 6.4. Please cite: Gill, F. and M. Wright Birds of the World: Recommended English Names. Princeton NJ: Princeton University Press. Names in round brackets represent alternative names for the species. A notes section is included where recent taxonomical changes have taken place. Key to abbreviations: (H) = Heard only; (I) = Introduced; NP = National Park; (CR) = Critically endangered; (EN) = Endangered; (VU) = Vulnerable; (NT) = Near Threatened; (NE) = Near-endemic Swans, Geese & Ducks Anatidae Northern Pintail Anas acuta Around a hundred birds were seen at the Ban Bang Ta Boon wetlands. Eurasian Wigeon Anus penelope Several seen at Ban Bang Ta Boon wetlands. Eurasian (Common) Teal Anas crecca A few seen at Ban Bang Ta Boon wetlands. NOTE: Sometimes split into two species: Eurasian Teal and Green-winged Teal. Garganey At least 6 seen at Ban Bang Ta Boon wetlands. Anas querquedula

10 Trip Report RBL Thailand Highlights Pheasants & Partridges Phasianidae Rufous-throated Partridge (H) Arborophila rufogularis A leader-only sighting along the boardwalk trail on top of Doi Inthanon. Several heard in the area. Bar-backed Partridge Arborophila brunneopectus A pair seen very briefly next to the road half way up Doi Inthanon. Green-legged (Bar-breasted) Partridge (H) Arborophila chloropus We heard this species at Kaeng Krachan and Khao Yai NPs. Rain Quail Coturnix coromandelica A total of 4 birds flushed in grassland surrounding the wetland near Khao Yai NP. A major surprise! Red Junglefowl (H) Gallus gallus Strangely this species was only heard in Khao Yai and Doi Inthanon NPs. Silver Pheasant Lophura nycthemera Two separate encounters of males and females were had near the top of Khao Yai. Siamese Fireback Lophura diardi A pair showed well but briefly along a trail in Khao Yai NP. Grey Peacock-Pheasant (H) Polyplectron bicalcaratum A leader-only sighting with several birds calling in Kaeng Krachan NP. NOTE: IOC now recognizes two species: Grey Peacock-Pheasant and Hainan Peacock-Pheasant. Green Peafowl (EN) Pavo muticus This was another trip highlight. We had very good views of four birds in flight at Huai Hong Khrai with another 13 that included a stunning adult male at Mr Tii s tower near Doi Inthanon NP. Grebes Podicipedidae Little Grebe (Dabchick) Tachybaptus ruficollis Several seen at various small wetlands. NOTE: IOC recognizes two species: Little Grebe and Tricolored Grebe. Storks Ciconidae Painted Stork (NT) Mycteria leucocephala These handsome birds were seen around Ban Pak Bia and at Ban Bang Ta Boon wetlands. Asian Openbill Anastomus oscitans We had many sightings especially in the rice fields around Bangkok. Recorded on three dates. Ibis, Spoonbills Threskiorithidae Black-headed Ibis Threskiornis melanocephalus Around 4 of these birds were seen at the Ban Bang Ta Boon wetlands. Herons, Egrets & Bitterns Ardeidae Yellow Bittern Ixobrychus sinensis Heard near our hotel at Kaeng Krachan and then seen well in flight and perched at the wetland near Khao Yai NP. Black Bittern Dupetor flavicollis A single bird was flushed from a small pond in Kaeng Krachan NP. Black-crowned Night Heron Nycticorax nycticorax One bird seen at Lam Pak Bia. Striated (Green-backed) Heron Butorides striatus Seen at Lam Pak Bia.

11 Trip Report RBL Thailand Highlights NOTE: Three species now exist: Straited, Green and Lava Herons. Chinese Pond Heron Ardeola bacchus In non-breeding (winter) plumage these birds are almost impossible to identify from the next species. Some experts say that this species has dark edges to the wing tips and frequents forest pools and rivers whereas Javan Pond Heron has all pale wings and occurs in open rice paddy and wetland environments during winter. This is however very debatable and yet to be proven. If this is the case we then saw good numbers daily at scattered sites throughout Thailand. Javan Pond Heron Ardeola speciosa If wing tips and habitat are good features to identify this and the latter species we would then have seen this species in rice fields and open wetland environments around Ban Pak Bia. Both species are common throughout Thailand when in breeding plumage and easily identified so it is almost inevitable that we encountered both species during our time in the country. Eastern Cattle Egret Bubulcus coromanda A cosmopolitan species encountered at many sites. NOTE: IOC recognizes two species: Eastern Cattle Egret and Western Cattle Egret. Grey Heron Small numbers found at scattered wetlands. Purple Heron Two seen near our hotel at Kaeng Krachan. (Eastern) Great Egret Frequently recorded. Ardea cinerea Ardea purpurea Ardea alba NOTE: Two species are sometimes recognized: Eastern Great Egret and Western Great Egret. Intermediate (Yellow-billed) Egret A total of three seen. Little Egret Commonly seen. Egretta intermedia Egretta garzetta NOTE: Two species are usually recognized: Little Egret and Dimorphic Egret. Pacific Reef Heron (Egret) Egretta sacra Two dark morph birds were seen at Lam Pak Bia. Chinese Egret (VU) Egretta eulophotes Excellent views were enjoyed of three separate birds during our boat trip out to Lam Pak Bia. Cormorants Phalacrocoracidae Little Cormorant Microcarbo niger Many birds were seen at Ban Pak Thale and Lam Pak Bia, with more at other wetlands. Indian Cormorant Phalacrocorax fuscicollis Small numbers seen at Pak Thale. Osprey Pandionidae Western Osprey Pandion haliaetus Singletons at Ban Bang Ta Boon and at the wetland near Khao Yai NP. NOTE: IOC recognizes two species: Eastern Osprey and Western Osprey. Hawks, Kites, Eagles & Vultures Accipitridae Black-winged (Black-shouldered) Kite Elanus caeruleus Singletons were seen near Khao Yai NP and at Doi Lor paddyfields. NOTE: Three species are now recognized: Black-winged (Black-shouldered) Kite, White-tailed Kite and Black-shouldered (Australian) Kite.

12 Trip Report RBL Thailand Highlights Crested (Oriental) Honey-buzzard Pernis ptilorhynchus This widespread Asian raptor was recorded on four dates. Jerdon s Baza (H) Aviceda jerdoni Only heard in Kaeng Krachan NP. Black Baza Aviceda leuphotes Good views of two in flight at Huai Hong Krai. Crested Serpent Eagle Spilornis cheela This common but attractive raptor was seen at Khao Yai and Huai Hong Krai. Changeable Hawk-Eagle Niseatus cirrhatus One brief sighting in Khao Yai NP. NOTE: Sometimes split into two species: Changeable Hawk-Eagle and Crested Hawk-Eagle. Rufous-bellied Hawk Eagle Lophotriorchis kienerii Excellent flight views of an adult in Khao Yai NP. Black Eagle Ictinaetus malaiensis One seen well in flight in Khao Yai NP. Booted Eagle Hieraaetus pennatus Three birds (both pale and dark morphs) were seen well in flight at Doi Lor paddyfields. Crested Goshawk Accipiter trivirgatus Singletons were seen in Kaeng Krachan and Khao Yai NPs. Shikra Accipiter badius Excellent perched views of an adult near the edge of Khao Yai NP. Besra Accipiter virgatus Brief flight views were had of two separate birds in Kaeng Krachan NP. Eurasian Sparrowhawk Accipiter nisus A female was seen in flight near our hotel at the edge of Doi Inthanon NP. Black (Black-eared) Kite Milvus migrans lineatus Small numbers were seen at several localities on three separate dates. NOTE: Often split into three species: Black Kite, Yellow-billed Kite and Black-eared Kite. Brahminy Kite Haliastur indus Several birds were seen in the Pak Thale/Laem Pak Bia area. Rails, Gallinules & Coots Rallidae White-breasted Waterhen Amaurornis phoenicurus Fairly common and widespread and seen on four dates. Black-tailed Crake (H) Porzana bicolor Unfortunately only heard at the small marsh in Doi Inthanon NP. Common Moorhen Gallinula chloropus Two seen in Kaeng Krachan NP with another one at Huai Hong Krai. NOTE: Recently split into two species: Common Moorhen and Common Gallinule. Thick-knees Burhinidae Indian Stone-curlew (Thick-knee) Burhinus indicus Heard calling and then seen in flight at dawn at the edge of our Kaeng Krachan accommodation. NOTE: Recently split into two species: Eurasian Stone-curlew and Indian Stone-curlew. Black-winged Stilt Avocets & Stilts Recurvirostridae Himantopus leucocephalus

13 Trip Report RBL Thailand Highlights Large numbers with up to several hundred birds seen at saltpans and wetlands at Baan Pak Thale. Pied Avocet Recurvivostra avosetta A flock of around 50 birds was encountered at Pak Thale. A scarce and seldom seen bird in Thailand! Plovers & Lapwings Charadriidae Red-wattled Lapwing Vanellus indicus Regularly seen throughout the trip. Pacific Golden-Plover Pluvialis fulva Fair numbers seen at Pak Thale. Grey (Black-bellied) Plover Pluvialis squatarola Large numbers seen at Pak Thale. Little Ringed Plover Charadrius dubius A few at Pak Thale. Kentish Plover Charadrius alexandrinus Around 20 at Pak Thale. Malaysian Plover (NT) Charadrius peronii Excellent views of 8 birds at the sandbar at Laem Pak Bia. Lesser Sand Plover Charadrius mongolus Large numbers at Pak Thale. Greater Sand Plover Charadrius leschenaultii At least 6 birds identified at Pak Thale. Jacanas Jacanidae Bronze-winged Jacana Metopidius indicus A brief flight view was had of a single bird en route to Pak Thale on the first morning. Sandpipers & Allies Scolopacidae Pin-tailed Snipe Gallinago stenura Singletons were seen near Khao Yai and at Doi Lor. Common Snipe Gallinago gallinago First seen near Laem Pak Bia and then again near Khao Yai NP. Asian Dowitcher (NT) Limdromus semipalmatus After a lengthy search, we finally managed to find four of these rare and sought-after waders in the Pak Thale area. Black-tailed Godwit (NT) Limosa limosa Large numbers seen at Pak Thale. Bar-tailed Godwit Limosa lapponica As with the previous species, large numbers seen at Pak Thale. Whimbrel Numenius phaeopus One bird found at Pak Thale. Eurasian Curlew (NT) Numenius arquata A massive flock seen in the distance at Pak Thale. Spotted Redshank Tringa erythrops Fair numbers seen at Pak Thale. Common Redshank Tringa erythopus Around 30 birds seen in the Pak Thale area. Marsh Sandpiper Tringa stagnatilis

14 Trip Report RBL Thailand Highlights Large numbers seen in the Pak Thale area. Common Greenshank Tringa nebularia Large numbers at Pak Thale. Nordmann s Greenshank (EN) Tringa guttifer We found three of these rare and endangered waders upon our return trip to the Pak Thale area. Green Sandpiper Tringa ochropus One bird seen in the Pak Thale area. Wood Sandpiper Tringa glareola Seen at scattered localities throughout the tour. Terek Sandpiper Xenus cinereus A single bird seen well at Pak Thale. Common Sandpiper Actitis hypoleucos Small numbers seen at Pak Thale and Laem Pak Bia. Great Knot (VU) Calidris canutus Huge numbers were seen on both visits to Pak Thale. Sanderling Calidris alba Fair numbers at Pak Thale and Laem Pak Bia. Red-necked Stint Calidris ruficollis Large numbers seen in the Pak Thale area. Temminck s Stint Calidris temmincki A few birds were seen in the Pak Thale area. Long-toed Stint Calidris subminuta Two of these fairly scarce waders were seen well in the Pak Thale area. Curlew Sandpiper Calidris ferruginea Huge numbers seen at Pak Thale. Dunlin Calidris alpine Three birds were found at Pak Thale. Spoon-billed Sandpiper (CR) Eurynorhynchus pygmeus Two separate birds were found during our morning at Pak Thale. The second individual showed particularly well and for an extended period offering us excellent scope views. A superb little bird and an undoubted highlight of the trip! Broad-billed Sandpiper Limicola falcinellus Large numbers of this usually scarce wader were seen in the Pak Thale area. Ruff Philomachus pugnax Small numbers seen around Pak Thale. Red-necked Phalarope Phalaropus lobatus A total of four birds were seen during our time in the Pak Thale area. Gulls, Terns & Skimmers Laridae Slender-billed Gull Chroicocephalus genei This scarce migrant was seen well at Pak Thale. Two were seen. Brown-headed Gull Chroicocephalus brunnicephalus Up to 100 birds were seen around Pak Thale with a few more at Ban Bang Ta Boon wetlands. Gull-billed Tern Gelochelidon nilotica Small numbers seen at Pak Thale and Ban Bang Ta Boon.

15 Trip Report RBL Thailand Highlights Caspian Tern Sterna caspia Several birds seen at Pak Thale. Greater Crested (Swift) Tern Thalasseus bergii Small numbers around Pak Thale and Laem Pak Bia. Little Tern Sterna albifrons Fairly large numbers were seen in the Pak Thale area. NOTE: Usually split into two species: Little Tern and Saunders s Tern. Common Tern Sterna hirundo Fairly common around Pak Thale. Whiskered Tern Chlidonias hybridus Fairly large numbers were seen in the Pak Thale area. White-winged Tern Chlidonias leucopterus At least 10 birds seen in the Pak Thale area. Doves & Pigeons Columbidae Rock (Common) Dove (Pigeon) (I) Columba livia We found this species to be fairly common in towns and cities throughout. Speckled Wood Pigeon Columba hodgsonii Six birds were seen near the summit of Doi Inthanon NP. Red Turtle Dove Streptopelia tranquebarica A common species along the roadsides and found in most of the sites we visited. Spotted Dove Streptopelia chinensis Good numbers were seen at most localities. Barred Cuckoo-Dove (H) Macropygia unchall Heard in Khao Yai NP. Common (Asian) Emerald Dove Chalcophaps indica Brief views were had of singletons on three dates. NOTE: Two species now exist: Common Emerald Dove and Pacific Emerald Dove. Zebra Dove Geopelia striata A common species throughout the tour. Thick-billed Green Pigeon Treron curvirostra Small numbers were seen in Kaeng Krachan and Khao Yai NP s. Wedge-tailed Green Pigeon Treron sphenurus Excellent views were had on two dates in Doi Inthanon NP. Mountain Imperial Pigeon Ducula badia Three birds seen in Khao Yai NP. Cuckoos Cuculidae Greater Coucal Centropus sinensis This is a widespread species that was seen on four separate dates. Green-billed Malkoha Phaenicophaeus tristis Good views were had of several birds in Kaeng Krachan and Khao Yai NPs. Asian Koel Eudynamys scolopaceus Seen or heard in small numbers at many sites. Asian Emerald Cuckoo Chrysococcyx maculatus One male seen very well in Doi Inthanon NP. Banded Bay Cuckoo Cacomantis sonneratii

16 Trip Report RBL Thailand Highlights Good scope views had in the lower levels of Kaeng Krachan NP. Plaintive Cuckoo (H) Cacomantis merulinus Heard near the edge of Rangsit Marsh. Square-tailed (Asian) Drongo-Cuckoo Surniculus lugubris Excellent scope views of one calling individual in Kaeng Krachan NP. NOTE: Recently split into four species but a very dubious split that is not very well known or understood: Square-tailed, Forktailed, Philippine and Moluccan Drongo-Cuckoos. Typical Owls Strigidae Collared Scops Owl Otus lettia Excellent views of one at our Kaeng Krachan accommodation and at our hotel near Doi Inthanon NP. NOTE: Recently split into three species: Collared, Indian and Sunda Scops Owls. Collared Owlet Glaucidium brodiei Great views of one in Khao Yai NP. Asian Barred Owlet Glaucidium cuculoides Heard on many occasions and seen very well at Huai Hong Krai. Spotted Owlet Athene brama One seen superbly well at the edge of Rangsit Marsh. Brown Hawk-Owl (Boobook) Ninox scutulata Cracking views of one in Khao Yai NP. NOTE: Two species now exist: Brown Hawk-Owl and Northern Hawk-Owl. Nightjars & Allies Caprimulgidae Great Eared Nightjar Eurostopodus macrotis Two fly-overs were had at dusk in Khao Yai NP. Large-tailed Nightjar Caprimulgus macrurus One brief fly-over near the entrance to Kaeng Krachan NP. Indian Nightjar Caprimulgus asiaticus Excellent views were had of individuals near our Kaeng Krachan accommodation and in woodland near Doi Inthanon NP. Grey-rumped Treeswift At least 8 birds were seen in Kaeng Krachan NP. Treeswifts Hemiprocnidae Swifts Apodidae Hemiprocne longipennis Himalayan Swiftlet Aerodramus brevirostris Small numbers seen in Khao Yai and Doi Inthanon NPs. Germain s Swiftlet Aerodromus germani Large numbers seen in the southern lowlands. Silver-rumped Spinetail (Needletail) Rhaphidura leucopygialis A surprise sighting of one in Khao Yai NP. Brown-backed Needletail Hirundapus giganteus A large flock was seen at Huai Hong Krai with another two in Doi Inthanon NP. Asian Palm Swift Cypsiurus balasiensis A common species in the lowlands. Cook s (Fork-tailed) Swift Apus pacificus Good views of around a dozen in Doi Inthanon NP.

17 Trip Report RBL Thailand Highlights NOTE: Four species now recognized from the old Fork-tailed Swift: Pacific Swift, Cook s Swift, Blyth s Swift and Salim Ali s Swift. House Swift Two seen in Doi Inthanon NP. Apus nipalensis Trogons Trogonidae Orange-breasted Trogon Harpactes oreskios Superb views of several different birds in Khao Yai NP. Red-headed Trogon (H) Harpactes erythrocephalus Heard twice in Khao Yai NP. Indian Roller A common species seen throughout the trip. Rollers Coraciidae Coracias benghalensis Kingfishers Alcedinidae Banded Kingfisher (H) Lacedo pulchella Unfortunately only heard in Khao Yai NP. White-throated Kingfisher Halcyon smyrnensis Several seen in and around Kaeng Krachan NP. Black-capped Kingfisher Halcyon pileata Small numbers seen around Pak Thale and Kaeng Krachan NP. Collared Kingfisher Todirhamphus chloris Small numbers seen around Laem Pak Bia. NOTE: Recently split into a staggering number of different species! Common Kingfisher Seen in small numbers on five dates. Blue-bearded Bee-eater One seen very well in Kaeng Krachan NP. Green Bee-eater Around six seen near Mr Tii s. Alcedo atthis Bee-eaters Meropidae Nyctyornis athertoni Merops orientalis NOTE: Sometimes recognized as two separate species: African Green Bee-eater and Asian Green Bee-eater. Blue-tailed Bee-eater Merops philippinus First seen around Pak Thale and again at the edge of Rangsit Marsh. Chestnut-headed Bee-eater Merops leschenaulti Small numbers seen in Kaeng Krachan and Khao Yai NP. Hornbills Bucerotidae Great Hornbill (NT) Buceros bicornis After hearing this species in Kaeng Krachan NP we managed to obtain excellent views of a pair in Khao Yai NP. Oriental Pied Hornbill Anthracoceros albirostris Around a dozen seen in Kaeng Krachan NP with a further sighting in Khao Yai NP. Great Barbet Barbets Capitonidae Megalaima virens

18 Trip Report RBL Thailand Highlights Heard on a few occasions with a brief sighting in the upper reaches of Doi Inthanon NP. Lineated Barbet Megalaima lineata Two seen near Khao Yai NP and again near Doi Inthanon NP. Green-eared Barbet Megalaima faiostricta Excellent views were had in Kaeng Krachan and Khao Yai NPs. Golden-throated Barbet Megalaima franklinii Good views of several birds in Doi Inthanon NP. NOTE: Recently split into two species: Golden-throated and Necklaced Barbets. Blue-throated Barbet Megalaima asiatica One seen in Kaeng Krachan NP and another in Doi Inthanon NP. NOTE: Recently split into two species: Blue-throated and Turquoise-throated Barbets. Moustached Barbet Megalaima incognita Two in Kaeng Krachan NP and several in Khao Yai NP. Blue-eared Barbet Megalaima australis Three in Kaeng Krachan NP and a further three in Khao Yai NP. NOTE: Recently split into two species: Blue-eared and Yellow-eared Barbets. Coppersmith Barbet Megalaima haemacephala First seen near the edge of Khao Yai NP and then again at Huai Hong Krai. Woodpeckers Picidae Speckled Piculet Picumnus innominatus Singletons seen in Kaeng Krachan and Doi Inthanon NPs. White-browed Piculet Sasia ochracea We enjoyed an excellent encounter with this species in Kaeng Krachan NP. Heart-spotted Woodpecker Hemicircus canente Superb scope views of one in Khao Yai NP. Grey-capped Pygmy Woodpecker Dendrocopos canicapillus Three seen in Doi Inthanon NP. Stripe-breasted Woodpecker (H) Dendrocopos atratus Heard in Doi Inthanon NP. White-bellied Woodpecker Dryocopus javensis A responsive male was seen briefly perched and in flight in woodland in Doi Inthanon NP. Greater Yellownape (H) Picus flavinucha Heard on one occasion in Kaeng Krachan NP. Laced Woodpecker (H) Picus vittatus Heard in Khao Yai NP. Black-headed Woodpecker Picus erythropygius A spectacular bird! We enjoyed superb scope views of several birds in the foothills of Doi Inthanon NP. Common Flameback (Goldenback) Dinopium javanense Great scope looks at two birds in Kaeng Krachan NP. Greater Flameback (Goldenback) Chrysocolaptes lucidus A pair was seen very well in Kaeng Krachan NP. NOTE: Recently split into a number of different species. Bamboo Woodpecker Gecinulus viridis Good flight and brief perched views were had of this scarce bamboo specialty in Kaeng Krachan NP. Bay Woodpecker (H) Blythipicus pyrrhotis Heard in Doi Inthanon NP. Black-and-buff Woodpecker Meiglyptes tristis

19 Trip Report RBL Thailand Highlights Mike and Carol were fortunate to have seen this scarce woodpecker in Khao Yai NP. Falcons & Caracaras Falconidae Collared Falconet Microhierax caerulescens Incredible views of a group of ten of these tiny raptors in the Dipterocarp woodland in the lower foothills of Doi Inthanon NP. Black-thighed Falconet Microhierax fringillarius Fantastic scope views of three in Kaeng Krachan NP. Common (Eurasian) Kestrel Falco tinnunculus One seen in flight at Doi Lor. NOTE: Usually split into two species: Rock Kestrel and Common Kestrel. Amur (Eastern Red-footed) Falcon Falco amurensis A real surprise and one of the trip highlights! We were very fortunate to have had lengthy, close views of a sub-adult female in Khao Yai NP. Parrots, Macaws & Allies Psittacidae Blossom-headed Parakeet (NT) Psittacula roseate Ten birds were seen in flight in the dry woodlands (Mr Tii s) near Doi Inthanon NP. Red-breasted Parakeet (NT) Psittacula alexandri Wonderful views of around twenty birds near the entrance to Khao Yai NP. Vernal Hanging Parrot Loriculus vernalis Excellent views of several birds in Kaeng Krachan and Khao Yai NPs. Broadbills Eurylaimidae Black-and-red Broadbill Cymbirhynchus macrorhynchos Sensational views of a pair in Kaeng Krachan NP. Silver-breasted Broadbill (H) Serilophus lunatus Unfortunately just heard on one occasion in Doi Inthanon NP. Dusky Broadbill Corydon sumatranus Good scope views were had of this scarce species in Khao Yai NP. Pittas Pittidae Blue Pitta Pitta cyanea We were very fortunate to let alone hear this species, nevermind see it, albeit briefly, in Khao Yai NP. Golden-bellied Gerygone Excellent views of a pair in the Pak Thale area. Australian Warblers Acanthizidae Gerygone sulphurea Woodshrikes and allies Tephrodornithidae Bar-winged Flycatcher-shrike Hemipus picatus Six birds seen in Khao Yai NP. Large Woodshrike Tephrodornis virgatus Good views of three birds in a mixed flock in Khao Yai NP. NOTE: Now considered two species: Large Woodshrike and Malabar Woodshrike. Common Woodshrike Tephrodornis pondicerianus Four birds seen in dry woodland near Doi Inthanon NP.

20 Trip Report RBL Thailand Highlights NOTE: Now considered two species: Common Woodshrike and Sri Lanka Woodshrike. Ashy Woodswallow Commonly seen along the roadside in many areas. Woodswallows Artamidae Artamus fuscus Ioras Aegithinidae Common Iora Aegithina tiphia Small numbers were seen in the Kaeng Krachan area. Great Iora Aegithina lafresnayei Several good looks were had in Kaeng Krachan and Khao Yai NPs. Cuckooshrikes Campephagidae Black-winged Cuckooshrike Coracina melaschistos Singletons and pairs were seen on four dates. Rosy Minivet Pericrocotus roseus A pair showed briefly at Huai Hong Krai. Swinhoe s (Brown-rumped) Minivet Pericrocotus cantonensis Seen regularly in Kaeng Krachan and Khao Yai NPs. Small Minivet Pericrocotus cinnamomeus This smart species showed well at the edge of Rangsit Marsh. Grey-chinned Minivet Pericrocotus solaris Four birds seen in Doi Inthanon NP. Long-tailed Minivet Pericrocotus ethologus Small flocks in Doi Inthanon NP. Short-billed Minivet Pericrocotus brevirostris Four seen in Doi Inthanon NP. Scarlet Minivet Pericrocotus flammeus The most common minivet of the trip and seen in the lowlands and mountains. NOTE: Recently split into two species: Scarlet Minivet and Orange Minivet. Shrikes Laniidae Brown Shrike Lanius cristatus A common winter visitor seen on six days of the tour. Long-tailed Shrike Lanius schach One bird seen en route from Doi Inthanon to Chiang Mai. Vireos, Greenlets Vireonidae White-bellied Erpornis (Yuhina) Erpornis zantholeuca Several birds seen in Khao Yai and Doi Inthanon NP s. Blyth s (White-browed) Shrike-Babbler Pteruthius flaviscapis Excellent views of this vocal species in Kaeng Krachan NP with further sightings on Doi Inthanon. NOTE: White-browed Shrike-babbler now regarded as four species: Blyth s, Himalayan, Dalat and Pied Shrike-babblers. Old World Orioles Oriolidae Black-naped Oriole Oriolus chinensis The most commonly encountered oriole that occurs in varied habitats. We saw this species on several

21 Trip Report RBL Thailand Highlights occasions in Kaeng Krachan and Khao Yai NP s. Black-hooded Oriole Oriolus xanthornus Two birds seen well at Mr Tii s. Maroon Oriole Oriolus traillii After hearing this species a few times we finally managed to obtain distant views of a female in Doi Inthanon NP. NOTE: Possibly going to be split soon into Maroon and Red Orioles respectively. Drongos Dicruridae Black Drongo Dicrurus macrocercus Commonly seen in open habitats especially farm and woodlands. Ashy Drongo Dicrurus leucophaeus Another common forest species that was seen almost daily. Bronzed Drongo Dicrurus aeneus Small numbers seen at most forest sites. Lesser Racket-tailed Drongo Dicrurus remifer First seen briefly in Kaeng Krachan NP and then very well on Doi Inthanon. Hair-crested Drongo Dicrurus hottentottus Seen commonly at all forest localities. NOTE: Recently split into several different species and once considered part of the Spangle Drongo complex. Greater Racket-tailed Drongo Dicrurus paradiseus This spectacular species was seen a few times in the lower lying forests at most sites. NOTE: Two species now recognized: Greater Racket-tailed and Sri Lanka Drongos. Fantails Rhipiduridae White-throated Fantail Rhipidura albicollis Four seen in Doi Inthanon NP. Malaysian Pied Fantail Rhipidura javanica Small numbers were seen in the lowlands on three dates. NOTE: Recently split into two species: Malaysian Pied Fantail and Philippine Pied Fantail. Monarch Flycatchers Monarchidae Black-naped Monarch Hypothymis azurea Heard several times and seen briefly in the lowlands at Kaeng Krachan NP. Oriental (Asian) Paradise-Flycatcher (H) Terpsiphone affinis Only heard in Kaeng Krachan NP. NOTE: Asian Paradise Flycatcher recently split into three species: Oriental, Indian and Amur Paradise Flycatchers. Crows, Jays & Magpies Corvidae Eurasian Jay Garrulus glandarius Excellent scope views of one in Doi Inthanon NP. Red-billed Blue Magpie Urocissa erythrorhyncha Seen briefly in Doi Inthanon NP and then very well at Mr Tii s. Common Green Magpie Cissa chinensis Heard in Kaeng Krachan and then seen in flight in Khao Yai NP. Racket-tailed Treepie Crypsirina temia One bird seen well in the Pak Thale area with another brief sighting near Doi Inthanon.

22 Trip Report RBL Thailand Highlights Ratchet-tailed Treepie Temnurus temnurus One of Thailand s top birds! We were thrilled to obtain good views of this rarity in the upper reaches of Kaeng Krachan NP. Eastern Jungle (Large-billed) Crow Corvus levaillanti Seen most days. NOTE: Usually regarded as three species: Large-billed, Eastern Jungle and Indian Jungle Crows respectively. Fairy Flycatchers Stenostiridae Yellow-bellied Fantail Rhipidura hypoxantha Small numbers seen daily in Doi Inthanon NP. Grey-headed Canary-Flycatcher Culicicapa ceylonensis A fairly common species seen in most forests that we visited. Chickadees & Tits Paridae Sultan Tit Melanochlora sultanea These smart looking birds with funky, yellow crests were seen in Kaeng Krachan and Khao Yai NP s. Japanese Tit Parus minor Small numbers seen in Doi Inthanon NP. NOTE: Great Tit was recently split into three species: Great Tit, Japanese Tit and Cinereous Tit. Cinereous Tit Parus cinereus Two birds seen in Doi Inthanon NP. NOTE: See above note. Yellow-cheeked Tit Parus spilonotus This handsome species was seen daily in Doi Inthanon NP. Larks Alaudidae Indochinese Bush Lark Mirafra erythrocephala A few birds were seen in the surrounds of our Kaeng Krachan accommodation. Oriental Skylark Alauda gulgula Good views of two birds near Khao Yai NP. Bulbuls Pycnonotidae Striated Bulbul (H) Pycnonotus striatus Heard in Khao Yai NP. Black-headed Bulbul Pycnonotus atriceps Two seen in Kaeng Krachan NP. Black-crested Bulbul Pycnonotus melanicterus Commonly seen throughout. NOTE: Several different species are now recognized from the original Black-crested Bulbul. Red-whiskered Bulbul Pycnonotus jocosus Three birds seen in dry woodland near Doi Inthanon. Sooty-headed Bulbul Pycnonotus aurigaster Small numbers seen in Khao Yai NP and near Doi Inthanon. Stripe-throated Bulbul Pycnonotus finlaysoni First seen in Kaeng Krachan and then later in Khao Yai NP. Flavescent Bulbul Pycnonotus flavescens Three in Kaeng Krachan NP with small numbers daily on Doi Inthanon.